Police launch distracted driving crackdown in British Columbia

Mar 4, 2016

One in four deaths on B.C. roads involve distracted driving

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, police and B.C. Government team up to run distracted driving campaign in March

Distracted driving is responsible for approximately one quarter of all fatal crashes in B.C. Most drivers understand that using their phone increases their risk of crashing yet many still do it. That’s why the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), police and the B.C. government have teamed up for a month-long distracted driving campaign in March.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the odds of crashing increase by five times when using your phone, whether dialing, texting, reading or using social media.

Police are ramping up their enforcement of distracted driving across the province. Cell Watch volunteers will be roadside, reminding drivers to leave their phones alone. And ICBC road safety coordinators will be attending community events with a driving simulator the public can try.

You can take a stand against distracted driving and encourage others to do the same by picking up a free decal to display on your vehicle at ICBC driver licensing offices and participating Autoplan broker offices.

The campaign features radio advertising and digital advertising which will appear online as well as in restaurants and bars. You can view an infographic on the Distracted Driving Campaign at icbc.com

“Distracted driving remains a serious concern and we’re committed to taking steps to make our roads safer for everyone.”

“Police across B.C. are doing their part to change behaviours by enforcing the law and we can all do our part by letting every phone call or text wait until we reach our destination,” said Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“Safety on our highways and in our communities is our top priority,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “You’re five times more likely to crash if you’re using your phone while driving so leave your phone alone and stay focused on the road.”

“B.C. drivers know it’s against the law, but far too many still make excuses for their behaviour, and put themselves and others at risk by using their phone while driving,” said Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “That’s why we’re cracking down on those who cannot police themselves. Even when you’re at a red light or in slow moving traffic – you’re still in control of a vehicle – and the law still applies.”